Introduction
Barbecued chicken is a classic summertime favorite for many. The smoky, sweet and tangy flavors are hard to beat. However, leftovers don’t always retain the same delicious taste straight from the grill. Reheating barbecued chicken requires some special considerations to bring back that charbroiled flavor. With the right techniques, you can enjoy delicious leftover barbecue chicken that tastes like it just came off the grill.
Steps to Reheat BBQ Chicken
1. Use the Oven
One of the best ways to reheat bbq chicken is in the oven. This allows you to crisp up the skin and caramelize the sauce all over again.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place the bbq chicken pieces skin-side up on a baking sheet.
- Brush bbq sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to crisp the skin again.
- Watch closely so the bbq sauce doesn’t burn.
2. Use the Skillet
A skillet is great for reheating smaller pieces of bbq chicken.
- Heat 1 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add your chicken pieces skin-side down. Fry for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the skin.
- Flip and fry other side until heated through, about 2 more minutes.
- Brush with bbq sauce during last 30 seconds and flip to coat both sides.
3. Use the Microwave
The microwave can work in a pinch for reheating bbq chicken.
- Place chicken pieces on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a paper towel to prevent splattering.
- Microwave on High for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
- Let stand 2 minutes then brush with bbq sauce.
4. Use the Slow Cooker
For easy big batch reheating, a slow cooker is handy.
- Place chicken pieces in slow cooker and add a few Tbsp of bbq sauce.
- Cook on Low 2-3 hours, until chicken is hot and tender.
- Stir sauce to coat chicken. Add more to taste.
- Shred with two forks for bbq chicken sandwiches.
5. Add Moisture
One issue with reheating bbq chicken is that it can dry out. Add moisture by:
- Coating chicken in bbq sauce before reheating.
- Adding chicken broth or apple juice to the dish.
- Sprinkling on hot sauce for extra juiciness.
- Using the slow cooker or oven with a pan of water.
6. Restore Crispiness
If your leftover chicken skin isn’t crisp, try these tricks:
- Coat with a light layer of oil or melted butter before reheating.
- Place it skin-side-up under a hot broiler for 2-3 minutes.
- Pan fry the chicken skin-side down first.
- Roast it on a wire rack elevated above a baking sheet.
Tips for the Best Leftover BBQ Chicken
- Store chicken with sauce on the side. Sauce makes it mushy.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freeze sauced chicken up to 4 months for longer storage.
- Add chicken to salads, wraps, pizza and pasta dishes.
- Make bbq chicken sandwiches topped with extra sauce.
- Dice chicken and add to soups, chili, tacos or bbq pizza.
- Shred chicken in the slow cooker with sauce for bbq pulled chicken.
- Mix into dips, omelets, casseroles and other dishes.
Common Questions about Reheating BBQ Chicken
How long does bbq chicken last in the fridge?
Properly stored, bbq chicken will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Sauce shortens shelf life so store it separately.
Can you reheat bbq chicken twice?
It’s best to only reheat bbq chicken once. The texture and moisture content will degrade with multiple reheatings.
What temperature should you reheat bbq chicken to?
Chicken should be reheated to 165°F internally to eliminate any risks of bacteria. Use a food thermometer to check.
How do you reheat bbq chicken wings?
BBQ chicken wings can be reheated in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until hot. Crisp them up under the broiler after.
Can you put cold bbq chicken in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can put refrigerated bbq chicken directly into the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 2-3 hours until fully heated through.
Conclusion
With proper storage and reheating, leftover barbecue chicken can taste amazing for several days after cooking. Pay close attention to restoring moisture and crispiness when you reheat it. The oven, skillet and slow cooker all provide great ways to bring back that authentic smoked barbecue flavor. With a few simple tricks, you can enjoy your barbecue masterpiece more than once.